New (old) Pen - Help ID and filling tips?

[joecalta3]

Hello FPN - 

 

Can you help ID the pen below (2 photos).  Would be great to know the name and appx year of manufacture.  I am also looking for any tips on using the filling system, including maintenance tips.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Joe

[Checklist]

It's a Parker 21; the model is engraved onto the cap.  As far as dating, I have no idea, other than to say that they were made between 1948 and 1965, with that clip design starting in 1953 (source).  They're squeeze fillers, which tend to be pretty reliable; just immerse the nib in water and squeeze and release repeatedly to flush out any old, dried ink.  Same procedure to fill with ink.  I have a 51 Aerometric, which uses a similar filling system.  From what I hear, if the plastic hasn't cracked, which is a problem with this model, the 21 is a great pen.  Haven't had one yet myself, though.

[Mr.Rene]

To be exactly the name is Super Parker 21.The Parker 21 had other kind of Shell. Best Regards.

[Number99]

I agree.

 

According to Parkerpens.net the Parker 21 was replaced by the Parker 21 Super in 1953.

I assume your 21 is a Parker 21 Super because it has a Parker 45 type clip.

The Parker 21 Super has a cap top screw with the same conical projection as your pen, and a dimple type. I believe there is a difference in the timing of the sale of both, but I do not know exactly when that transition took place. We will have to wait for an expert to mention it for us to know.

The plastic material used for the Parker 21 Super appears to be X-100, a plastic material of undisclosed composition, which appears to be different from the polystyrene used for the Parker 21.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/367299-very-late-parker-21/?do=findComment&comment=4551413

 

 

 

[FarmBoy]

Who said a 21 was Polystyrene?

 

Super 21s are not prone to cracking. 

[Number99]

17 hours ago, FarmBoy said:

Who said a 21 was Polystyrene?

 

Super 21s are not prone to cracking. 

The article on the Italian site "FountainPen "  below mentions the material.

I believe this site is an edited article like Wikipedia.

 

I am not making any assertions.

I have also indirectly provided a citation.

My post is hearsay information from here.

 

I previously asked about polystyrene and X-100 and received no reply.

I re-posted my inquiry here to get an answer.

You can find the information in the section "Caratteristiche tecniche".

Is their description and my citation incorrect?

 

https://www.fountainpen.it/Parker_21

 

Edited November 10, 2022 by Number99
Correction of interpretation of translations.

[joecalta3]

Thanks all!  Great detail in these responses...  Also, appreciate the reference links you shared.  

 

I am past the first cleaning and ink fill.  The pen is writing fine and is a little on the dry side (could be the ink).  I am not about to start playing with the flow until I try a few different inks.  The current Noodlers Red-Black is working well.

 

Not sure if the nibs came in various sizes, but this one seems like a Fine.

 

Thanks again!  

[Checklist]

My fine 61 and Falcon are a little dry, too, so that could be the way Parkers of that vintage write.

[joecalta3]

On 11/11/2022 at 6:33 PM, Checklist said:

My fine 61 and Falcon are a little dry, too, so that could be the way Parkers of that vintage write.

 

Thanks!  Any way to confirm the nib?  For example on a Pelikan I see the M, F, EF, etc.

[Checklist]

Not that I know of; I'm not 100% sure that my 61 isn't an extra-fine. Hopefully, one of the more knowledgeable members can help.